Type of bind: Hardcover
Dewey Decimal Number: 796
EAN num: 9780739406717
ISBN number: 073940671X
Label: Paladin Pr
Manufacturer: Paladin Pr
Printing Date: 1985-08
Publishing house: Paladin Pr
Sale Popularity Level: 1727032
Studio: Paladin Pr
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Rated by buyers 
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No disrespect to the two authors. I am sure they are very good at they combat skills. I just have a real problem especially when the two authors are Royal Marine Commandos and their style doe not reflect the Faibairn method gutterfighting. Their style was way too robotic and classical. There was no mention of Chin jabs,Edge of hand blows,Tiger claws, Yoke strikes or any other killing,maiming,or crippleing techniques.You would think coming from Fairbairns homeland they would still employ them. A commando behind enemy lines may have to employ lethal strkes not closed fist boxing blows.The photos also were way too small to really see what was being done. In all fairness they did do a decent job in trying to cover all fighting & finishing positions. Basic wristlocks and chokes were included. The best part of the book was the intro where they discuss the fight preparation,fighting principals and mental attitude. It was just way too Katrateish for my liking. Again no disrespect but it could hve been much much better.
Rated by buyers 
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I found this book by chance after buying a dvd on amazon by one of the co-authors ' Jim Wilson' on karate ... this book really shows the how to do defence moves in a simple efective way . Since it was written way back in 1981 it is remarkably good considering the type of ring fighting that goes on yesterday in Ultimate Challenge etc ..so the fact they are showing strikes punches throw takedowns arm locks and groundwork it proves this is still the best way to defend yourself if you dont have a weapon. The British Marines are amongst the elite fighting groups of the world and the fact that one of them was a top sergeant with active service in Bornio makes this book even more credible. It is also the only civilian produced self-defence manual to ever be foreworded by the Royal Marines and that is a very high accolade.They have looked at the western systems and added some oriental but kept it basic and so highly effective. They dont elaborate on how you should mix and match technique and I think it would have been wrong to do so as fights start and finish quite unpredictally. As to using open hands or fist then they dont say when or if you should but only that they are choices you have in a fight situation. I like sport karate but I like this type of realistic movement much more. This book is not without flaws as the pictures are b/w and small and yes they could have made it bigger and talked more about tactics but the most important thing is that they have kept it simple. I really like this book and give it 5 stars and I hope the authors decide to pulbish this again .
Rated by buyers 
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I've have read better books. Applegate's book would be a better choice, for example.
My particular qualms with this book include:
Too much emphasis on the use of a closed fist, which should almost never be used except to the body, even if one is a n experienced boxer. It's too easy to break your hand. If you break your hand in a life and death situation, you've probably had it.
Not enough emphasis on movement as opposed to blocks and parrys. The best way to avoid an attack is by moving, ducking etc. Blocking real attacks, or parrying them is far more difficult and less effective. Sidestepping, ducking, bobbing and weaving are all far preferable.
There's way too much telegraphing of attacks in the book. Attacks should involve nothing to telegraph them, yet constantly through out the book, the attacking arm or leg is pulled back and chambered.
Kicking with the toes is very difficult to use in real life. There's little room for error, and the kick must be perfect. Using the sole, heel or edge is far better. But, on uneven terrain, probably it would be best to use only stomping type kicks and nothing else.
There's too much emphasis on breaking hold with throws, wrist locks etc. The best way to deal with holds is to use a strike of some kind, with whatever limbs you have free. This is much easier than trying to execute a complex move.
Rated by buyers -
This is such a useful book for those seeking to learn the fundamentals of Close Combat. As an earlier reviewer stated, military manuals DO provide the best reading on self-defense moves, though it should be noted that this is not an actual military publication. However, co-author Paul Evans was was a Royal Marine and did see combat in Borneo during his military career, so consequently the book greatly resembles the techniques used by the Royal Marines circa 1981, the year of the book's publication. Wilson and Evans cover a wide array of skills in the book's 144 pages that consist of basic strikes, chokes, strangles, sweeps, throws, ground fighting, weapon disarment, an extensive chapter on blocks, and a short briefing of main ideas that one should bear in mind while using these techniques. It should also be noted that one must read ALL of the text and instructions for the maximum effect.
While this may the best book I've seen on this particular subject, the book is lacking in some areas. First, the photos are small and in grey and white, making it difficult at times to understand. Second, some of these techniques would only stun an opponent or knock him over, while others would prove more fatal; the authors give no damage assesment on their moves and make no mention of when it would be best to use them. Finally, some of the throws and sweeps may not work and the ground fighting seems unrealistic.
Overall, however, this is an excellent book for those who seek a basic guide for hand-to-hand combat, which is far more workable in a real fight than virtually any martial art. A shame it is no longer in print, but it has flip-flopped in-and-out of print; try again in several weeks--it would be unwise to miss out on this.
Rated by buyers -
This is a good book for referencing real fight situations if that can actually be possible.The only knock I have is that some of the photography isn't up to par.All in all I would recommend that it should be in your library.
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